French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy on Friday declared that the inter-Palestinian agreement was "one step in the right direction" to the full adherence of the demands of the international communities, particularly "the recognition of Israel."

"The inclusion in this government program of respecting international resolutions and agreements signed by the PLO ( Palestine Liberation Organization) constitutes a step in the right direction towards full adherence to the international community's demands to which we are attached, as regards particularly the recognition of Israel," affirmed Douste-Blazy in a press statement.

"After several weeks' bloody confrontation between the Palestinian factions, this agreement provides an opportunity to all the Palestinians of getting over their divisions and of uniting behind a national unity government," said the foreign minister.

"Under these conditions, we consider that the creation of the new government on the basis of this program should be encouraged and supported by the international community in order to relaunch the peace process," he added.

Leaders of Palestinian rival Fatah and Hamas movements signed an agreement in Mecca on Thursday night on forming a national unity government aimed at ending infighting and lifting international siege.

Source: Xinhua